How to Buy a French Horn

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The glorious sound of the French horn is legendary. Choose one that will match the fantasies of your musical imagination.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Determine the amount of money you want to invest in a French horn. Use the maturity and experience of the student as a guideline.
Step2
Add in the cost of a strong case of wood or metal with plenty of internal protective padding.
Step3
Compare and evaluate the tone of a variety of instruments using your own mouthpiece. Use different lead pipes to reveal tonal variance.
Step4
Evaluate the ease of producing a pedal tone. This will reveal tonal resonance.
Step5
Determine the comfort and placement of the left hand relative to the four valve levers.
Step6
Produce a "rip" (see glossary) at various speeds from slow to fast. This will reveal the quality of the changes between "overtones." Listen for clarity.
Step7
Have a qualified listener help you evaluate tone quality.
Step8
Realize that bell construction and the nature of the bell or "flare" (how quickly and large the final opening becomes) vary with the manufacturer.
Step9
Purchase a strong case with a key or combination lock-latch to discourage those eager to experiment with a friend's instrument.

Tips & Warnings

  • Take into consideration the ease of tone production.
  • Tonal brilliance and penetration are sometimes desired for high range by the first horn in the orchestra. Taste is the determining factor.

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eHow Article:  How to Buy a French Horn

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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